By Yiep Joseph
The United Nations (UN) Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for nine days, with the expectation of issuing further updates.
This short-term extension, unanimously approved in Resolution 2778 (2025), allows the mission to continue using “all necessary means” to carry out its tasks beyond its original expiration date of April 30th.
Last year the mandate was extended for one year to help prevent a relapse into civil war and an escalation of violence in the East African nation.
This latest move provides the council with more time for deliberation amidst worsening political and security conditions in the country.
South Sudan has experienced renewed instability due to growing friction between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, who was placed under house arrest in the capital, Juba, on March 26th.
UNMISS was established in 2011 under Resolution 1996 to support peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan following its independence. The Security Council has since renewed its mandate annually, citing ongoing threats to regional security.
Reacting to the extension, the Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) urged political leaders to prioritize peace.
The activist stated that the move reflects global concern over the country’s direction and implored leaders to urgently pursue peace.
“Our country is on the brink of becoming a crisis zone. South Sudanese political leaders should prioritize peace above all. We need peace to rebuild our lives as citizens,” he said.
In a separate statement, Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), advocated for the renewal of the mandate with a strong emphasis on the protection of civilians and technical support for the elections.
“CEPO strongly urges the government of South Sudan and United Nations Security Council leaders to renew the UNMISS mandate with a stronger focus on the protection of civilians and technical political support for the transitional process,” Yakani stated.
He added, “Strengthening UNMISS’s role in human rights, civic space, and conflict early warning reporting should be prioritized.”
Yakani commended UNMISS for its significant role in preventing violence and protecting civilians. He also called on South Sudanese citizens to appreciate the work of UNMISS and urged those spreading misinformation about the mission to cease such activities.
“CEPO urges those deeply involved in providing misinformation, hate speech, hostile propaganda, and disinformation, including fake news about UNMISS performance, to refrain from such activities and seek accurate information first,” Yakani emphasized.
He appealed to the South Sudan government to cooperate with UNMISS to ensure conflict prevention and the protection of civilians.